Punjab Kings, RCB aim to take a step closer to the summit

Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer will hope the team rides the momentum to put it across Royal Challengers Bengaluru to reach the IPL title clash.
| Photo Credit: R.V. MOORTHY

In previous IPL seasons, the overarching themes linking Punjab Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru were achingly similar. They plunged from one season to another without ever getting a chance to hoist the glittering trophy, engulfed by tears, heartbreaks and anguish that turned into deep-rooted emotions.

They have struck an analogous chord in the 18th edition too. But in a refreshing departure from years gone by, both teams can savour being among the standout teams this time and not allowing past baggage to weigh them down. Irrefutable evidence lies in their top-two finish, which has earned them rightful spots in Qualifier 1 at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh Stadium.

Neither outfit is too familiar with this stage of the competition. In fact, both teams have finished in the top-two at the end of the league phase only twice before. There is, of course, plenty at stake in Thursday’s clash with a spot in the final awaiting, but the losing side getting two bites at the cherry should ease the nerves all around.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru will be expecting Josh Hazlewood to be available to play in Qualifier 1 against Punjab Kings.
| Photo Credit:
SHIV KUMAR PUSHPAKAR

RCB sealed its spot in Qualifier 1 with a thrilling victory over Lucknow Super Giants on Tuesday. Chasing 228, Jitesh Sharma batted like a beast, scoring a sensational 33-ball 85 not out and underlining that there is more to this batting line-up than just Virat Kohli.

Concerns persist, though, about the bowling unit. It has conceded 200-plus in each of its last three games. Much will depend on Josh Hazlewood’s availability. He missed RCB’s last three games due to a shoulder injury, although Jitesh said on Tuesday that the Australian pacer should be available for the playoffs. RCB will hope that Tim David has also recovered from a hamstring niggle.

For Shreyas Iyer’s Punjab, the absence of Marco Jansen leaves a big void. But both franchises, more than any other perhaps, know that a golden opportunity to script something special doesn’t come everyday.